SLANZA is deeply concerned by the proposed cuts to National Library and Archives New Zealand (ALNZ), including a reported 36% reduction in the National Library Community Engagement and Learning Team that currently supports school libraries across Aotearoa. These changes come at a time when strong literacy support, equitable access to information, and professional library expertise are more important than ever for student learning and wellbeing.

We also want to acknowledge the significant uncertainty this review creates for ALNZ staff, many of whom are highly valued and respected colleagues whose expertise, dedication, and commitment have strengthened school libraries and learning communities across the motu for many years. In response to the proposed changes, SLANZA has issued the following media statement, highlighting the potential impact on school libraries, library staff, and the students they serve, while standing in solidarity with those affected by the review.

Media Statement

​PROPOSED NATIONAL LIBRARY CHANGES WILL SEVERELY IMPACT SCHOOL LIBRARIES 

The School Library Association Of New Zealand Aotearoa (SLANZA) is warning that the proposed 36% cut to the number of National Library Community Engagement and Learning Team will severely impact services to hundreds of school libraries across Aotearoa.
“We are extremely concerned that reductions will weaken the infrastructure supporting school libraries in the face of increasing challenges in literacy, advocacy, and student engagement with reading,” says SLANZA President, Trena Lile.

The National Library Capability Facilitators provide equitable access to high-quality library expertise and resources, professional guidance, and sector leadership to Aotearoa’s school libraries that cannot be replicated elsewhere; without this strong support, school libraries are vulnerable.

SLANZA is talking with sector partners, including LIANZA and PLNZ, where there is a shared concern about the potential loss of expertise and capability.
Declining literacy rates in New Zealand demand that students are increasingly supported in the literacy space, not have services and access to resources reduced.
SLANZA urges the government to mandate that every student have access to a well-resourced school library and a specialised librarian, to ensure that all students will have equitable access to the resources needed to achieve their reading and learning potential.

Contact:
Trena Lile, SLANZA Manukura | President

Supporting links for more information:

• https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2609/S00013/our-precious-history-under-threat-as-national-library-and-archives-face-more-govt-cuts.htm 
• https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/1230984/almost-50-jobs-could-go-at-national-library-and-archives-psa-warns
• https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/education/1244704/students-could-miss-out-if-national-library-staff-cuts-go-ahead-librarians-say​
• https://www.lianza.org.nz/resources/lianza-news/lianza-statement-on-proposed-changes-at-the-national-library-and-archives-new-zealand/